Exploring the elements of reality in early modern witchcraft and popular magic, through a combination of detailed archival research and broad-ranging interdisciplinary analyses, this book complements and challenges existing scholarship, and offers unique insights into this murky aspect of early modern history.

Introduction PART I: THE REALITY OF MALEFICIUM The Varieties of Maleficium Maleficium and Society PART II: THE REALITIES OF DIABOLISM The Devil in the Duchy of Württemberg Witch Dances and Witch Salves Sorcery, Satanism, and Shamanism PART III: THE REALITIES OF BENEFICENT MAGIC Divination and Prophesy Benevolent Manipulative Magic PART IV: REPRESSION AND REALITY Magic in Society Conclusion

EDWARD BEVER received his Ph.D. in History from Princeton University in 1983, USA. He was a software developer specializing in historical simulations before taking his present position as Professor of History at SUNY Old Westbury in 1997. He has published a book on African history and a number of articles on witchcraft and magic in Early Modern Europe.